Final Stranger Things Task

Stranger Things:

The accuracy of depiction (realism) of 80s America may come into question as the series is more of a homage/tribute to cinema and the Spielberg cinematic universe and may appeal to two distinct audiences (nostalgic and contemporary). 

The show brings in modern representational subversions to counter the truth of 80s America, e.g. Joyce is a single parent mother holding together a family through working, her ability to influence Hopper to look for Will; Nancy subverts cultural and social codes and conventions, possibly to show degree of fourth-wave feminism which is embraced in modern society today and appeal to modern audiences: she anti-stereotypically excels at science while still fitting stereotypes of teenage girl (reflecting theories such as Gauntlett), hence role is somewhat atypical for genre; the androgynous Eleven and the fluidity of gender which may be recognisable by modern audiences. 

Episode one representations are largely shaped by nostalgic exploration of what America was like socially in 1980s, mirroring traditional family values (nuclear family, picket fences, green lawns, etc.) and pressures of gender relations coming under strain as traditional ideological systems were being challenged. 

Culturally referencing 80s films which may have improved levels of realism due to advances in technology (modern SFX budgets) which may offer audiences new experiences/enhanced readings. 

Episode shows influence of social anxieties about consequences of scientific experimentation (Reagan’s “Star Wars”) as well as post-Watergate mistrust of government/authority – some link to representations of the real and what is stereotyped to fit the genre; “conspiracy theory” elements codified through use of shadowy, sinister agents has global recognition for international audiences (used to being positioned as Americans); suggests all-powerful secret state still mirrored in modern ideological systems regarding trust in authority. 

Codes and conventions perhaps deliberately stereotyped for intertextual effect rather than accurately reflecting reality of the time – to recreate the world of 1980s films – this may suggest more polysemic reading and invite historical comparison to other famous cultural and media texts by audiences. 

Episode reflects continuing success of streaming services such as Netflix, who need to maintain their brand with innovative and original programming and therefore integrate high end production values to support their ideological business model in favour of simply reflecting reality/normality. Thus, appealing to a range of audiences with different cultural capital

_________________________________________________________________________

Reagan’s “Star Wars”

On March 23, 1983, President Reagan proposed the creation of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), an ambitious project that would construct a space-based anti-missile system. This program was immediately dubbed "Star Wars."

Missile Defense Illustration
An artist's rendering of an X-ray laser hit an incoming missile.

The SDI was intended to defend the United States from attack from Soviet ICBMs by intercepting the missiles at various phases of their flight. For the interception, the SDI would require extremely advanced technological systems, yet to be researched and developed. Among the potential components of the defense system were both space- and earth-based laser battle stations, which, by a combination of methods, would direct their killing beams toward moving Soviet targets. Air-based missile platforms and ground-based missiles using other non-nuclear killing mechanisms would constitute the rear echelon of defense and would be concentrated around such major targets as U.S. ICBM silos. The sensors to detect attacks would be based on the ground, in the air, and in space, and would use radar, optical, and infrared threat-detection systems.

This system would tip the nuclear balance toward the United States. The Soviets feared that SDI would enable the United States to launch a first-strike against them. Critics pointed to the vast technological uncertainties of the system, in addition to its enormous cost.


Although work was begun on the program, the technology proved to be too complex and much of the research was cancelled by later administrations. The idea of missile defense system would resurface later as the National Missile Defense.

_________________________________________________________________________________

80's America

Intertextuality:

• E.T
• Stephen King's stories
• Dungeons and dragons
• Lord of the rings

Stereotypes:

• Women were housewives- Karen Wheeler
• Women wore pink- Karen Wheeler
• Women were in charge of children- Karen Wheeler
• Men worked and provided for the family- Ted Wheeler
• Teenage boys were adventurous- Will, Lucas, Dustin, Mike
• Nancy- having a photo of here and her friend on her bedside table
• Ted Wheeler not getting involved in what his kids are doing and lets Karen be in charge of what the kids do. (Ted watches/ fixes the television and is not really bothered about what Mike is doing).
• Wheeler's: upper class, water sprinklers in garden, large house, nice clothes, presentable 

Anti-stereotypes:

• Joyce being a single mother, who is also working.
• Joyce doesn't wear pink and is not wearing make-up or have her hair styled
• Nancy- Wears blue and other colours that are not classed as feminine, has blue room decor
• Nancy- smart, cares more for school than for boys.

Mise en scene:

• 80s telephones
• Old fashioned televisions with antennas 
• Clothes did not have any new man-made decorative techniques
• All clothes were era- appropriate
• No technology that was not era- appropriate (first time kids saw a radio)

Dictionary 

_________________________________________________________________________